Google’s AI Overviews Under Scrutiny for Potentially Directing Users to Scammers
A new feature from the tech giant Google, designed to streamline internet searches, is facing intense criticism after reports suggest it may be inadvertently aiding fraudulent schemes.
Core Function Meets Critical Flaw
Google’s recently launched “AI Overviews” tool aims to simplify and accelerate online searches by providing summarized answers directly at the top of results pages. However, recent investigations indicate this very convenience might be creating a significant security vulnerability. The feature has been reported to, in some instances, direct users to fake customer service numbers and non-legitimate websites, potentially compromising their financial security.
A Pattern of Problematic Results
The issue appears to be more than an isolated incident. One user, Alex Rivlin, shared his experience on Facebook after using the AI tool to find the customer support number for Royal Caribbean cruise line. The number provided by AI Overviews appeared official but ultimately led to unauthorized charges on his bank card. While Rivlin managed to stop the transactions, the event highlighted how easily scammers could exploit the AI system.
This follows a similar report from several months ago where a user on Reddit found that the number provided by AI Overviews for Southwest Airlines was also fraudulent. The core of the problem lies in the tool’s methodology; it aggregates data directly from various web sources. This process creates a risk of displaying unvetted fake numbers or phishing links. In many cases, even a simple search can redirect a user to a seemingly legitimate but entirely fabricated page.
Widespread Use Amplifies Risk
The situation has generated serious concern as the adoption of AI Overviews continues to grow rapidly. Data from StatCounter indicates that in the second quarter of 2025, approximately one-quarter of all search queries by U.S.-based Google users utilized this feature. This widespread usage means any vulnerability within the tool could present a massive opportunity for malicious actors seeking to defraud the public.
Official Response and Expert Advice
Google has not yet issued an official public response to these specific reports. In the interim, cybersecurity experts strongly advise that the safest method to obtain a company’s legitimate customer service contact information remains visiting its official website directly or using verified directories. As AI-powered fraud techniques—including voice simulation and advanced phishing—continue to proliferate, double-checking contact details is a critical step for consumers to prevent financial loss.
